Lions Youth
Exchange
YOUTH EXCHANGE
2008
GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT
LION
JIM DESLIPPE
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FAQ
(Frequently Asked Question)
About Hosting
How long is the hosting time?
The
Youth Exchange program in District A-1 is held during the month of
July but sometimes goes in to August depending on the year.
There are two scheduled hosting times, both 10 days in length.
Do I require a
police check?
YES, it is the normal procedure now
for anyone that is involved with Youth. A Police check only
stated that you have no criminal record. Each member of the
house who is 18 years and older is required to obtain one. Once
a police check has been obtained a copy is to be sent to the district
YE Chair
What types of
sleeping arrangements are to be expected?
Ideally
it would be nice if they could have there own room or if you had a
bedroom with two beds, if you are hosting two youths, however
sometimes due to the lack of host families other arrangement have to
be made.
Do they speak
English?
Yes,
They are to have an understanding to the English Language. They
take it in school.
Can we make group plans?
Certainly!
Some Host families in the smaller communities get together and have
barbecues. Sometimes, if one family is planning a trip, they will
contact the other families and offer to take your student along,
giving you a break. This is great for the youths, because they
get to see other youths from the other countries.
How do we know
where to take them?
I will give you a schedule of what is planned
for the week at camp. Our highlights include Niagara Falls and
Canada’s Wonderland. You can inquire with your students if they
are interested in Museums of art galleries, or just scenery in
general. If you have bikes available the students like to take a
ride and tour around and investigate themselves.
What are the
ranges of the students?
The students range in age
from 16-22
Do they have
their own spending money?
Yes, the have been
instructed to bring about $ 75 US (value) with them for each week
here. Most of them have more or are very frugal and make it last.
If we do take
them places, are we expected to pay for them (restaurants, theme
parks, etc.)?
Yes, that is part of your
responsibility, just as taking you won children to such places. Being
a host family is like adopting a child for 10 days.
Do they need
special diets?
Sometimes they do. We
usually know this ahead of time and sometimes it is not know until
they arrive. In the past we have had a couple of vegetarians.
And some that can’t eat beef or pork due to religious
restrictions. However, as we do not encourage catering to your
student, we do however encourage making them feel comfortable during
mealtime.
Do we get to
pick who we want to stay with us?
Yes, however first come first served.
We make every effort to suit the student with you family. If
student applications are received early and the host family
application are returned to me by the deadline of March 1st then the
process of picking your student can be done in plenty of time for
correspondence to begin between you and your student. I will
make the applications available at the convention.
How many host
families are needed?
The ratio is 2 host
families for each student application, however some families request
more than one student and will host for both hosting sessions.
If you would like to host for both sessions we recommend that you
change students so that others can enjoy your hospitality.
Making phone
calls from your home?
If your youth asks to call
home, please, make it clear that they are to pay for the calls, I will
be suggesting the youth get long distance cards to use while visiting
here. I cannot stress enough that you communicate with your
visitor regarding this matter as sometimes-good intentions can be
taken the wrong way.
I live out in
the country, not in the city, does that matter?
No, as ling as there is
something for them to do, other than watch TV. If they are close
enough to walk to town, that’s okay too. Remember, this is a
learning experience for them as well. For some it gives them a
sample of what it is like to live out in the country.
I have pets,
does this matter?
No, it is one of the
questions on the host family questionnaire. It is also A
question on the Youth application in case there is allergies or they
do not like animals.
Would it be too
lonely for the exchange students with no other young people around?
No, not usually, as long as
someone is home. If there were no youth in the home already then
we would encourage the host family to consider taking 2 students so as
to keep one another company. This way they could go to a park or
travel to the mall by bus. You can give them your phone number
to take with them in case of emergency.
Can I stay in
touch with the youth when they go to their next host family?
We do not encourage or
recommend this. We are happy that you have enjoyed your time
with the Youth, as I know they have done with you. Please let
the next host family have the same experience. We do encourage
each student and host families to correspond with one another after
the Exchange is over. I have known Host families, students and
Camp counselors who have kept in contact many years after.
I hope that I have been
able to answer some of the question you may have had about being
a Host Family. If you have any other questions you can either
contact me at
espiering@sympatico.ca
And I will do my best to
answer them for you or you can go Lions International
Website at
www.lionsclubs.org/en/content/youth_index.shtml
and download the Host family guide.
What are the Objectives of the Youth Exchange?
Unlike other exchange
programs, the Lions International youth Exchange program is not
conducted for the purpose of tourism, education or employment.
Instead, it is a unique cultural learning opportunity.
There are
three main objectives to the Youth Exchange Program:
To
bring you people into contact with youth and adults of other countries
To
share family and community life of another culture
To
promote international understanding and good will throughout the world
of Lionism
These
Objectives fulfill the first Object of Lions:
TO
CREATE AND FOSTER A SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG PEOPLES OF THE
WORLD.
HOW DID YOUTH
EXCHANGE GET STARTED?
Every year since
1961, young people have participated in the Lions International Youth
Exchange Program. Lions clubs would sponsor and host young
adults between the ages
Of 15-21. Since then
over 5000 young people live traveled to other countries to live with
host families. For many young people, participation in the Lions
Youth Exchange Program is a life-changing experience and a cultural
milestone.
The first International Camp was
organized, supervised and financed by the Lions of Sweden in 1974
and Since that first Camp, Lions clubs all over the world have
continued to invite young people to their countries to attend in the
Lions Youth Exchange Program as a means of Fostering International
Understanding
More information can be
found on the Lions International Website at
www.lionsclubs.org
